sedimentary

Sandstone

Sedimentary Rock (Quartzose Sandstone)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz grains); Color: Varies widely including tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic texture composed of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments; Cleavage: None, breaks across grains.

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz grains)
Luster: Dull to earthy

Identified July 31, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments (predominantly quartz) in environments such as deserts, rivers, beaches, and shallow marine areas over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction as building stone, dimension stone, paving material, and in the manufacturing of glass and abrasives.

Geological facts

Sandstone formations often create striking geological landmarks such as arches, canyons, and monuments due to differential weathering. Famous examples include the walls of the Grand Canyon and Petra in Jordan.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its gritty texture like sandpaper and visible sand grains. Found worldwide in sedimentary basins, river valleys, and desert regions. Good indicator of ancient depositional environments.

Other sedimentary specimens

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Sandstone or Siltstone

Arenite (if sandstone)

Sedimentary

Sedimentary Sandstone

Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)

sedimentary

Fossiliferous Concretion

Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids

fossil

Banded Siltstone / Mudstone Pebble

Siltstone / Argillite

sedimentary

Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)

Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)

sedimentary

Shale

Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)

sedimentary